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Hob-nobbing with High Rollers in Monaco

It costs one euro to travel by public bus from Nice to the Principality of Monaco. It costs 10 euro plus passport ID to get into the famous Monte Carlo casino. We approached the casino from the outside and admired the grand facade that I imagined was built and gilded by the proceeds of the roulette wheel.

Out back, there were beautiful views of the Riviera with gorgeous sculptures and well-coiffed hedges.

Expensive sports cars lined the VIP parking spaces in front of the casino.

We couldn't resist checking out the spectacle so we paid our entrance fee and went inside. The interior was even more over-the-top and posh.

Photographs aren't allowed on the casino floor but I can describe the scene. I was surprised to find that the minimum bet on the roulette wheel was 5 euro. At that price, we sat down at the table and plunked down 50 euro -- a reasonable cost for a once in a lifetime experience. We played our chips one at a time. Others were moving back and forth playing at two roulette tables simultaneously - now that's hard core. I had to hide my amazement when an older gentleman waltzed up to the table, plopped down two crisp 500 euro notes (I didn't realize they came that large!) and proceeded to play all those chips on a single spin of the roulette wheel. He lost.

After we inevitably lost our small investment at the table, we retired to the lounge for a drink. Once again, the place was pretty swank and worth visiting simply for the lavish atmosphere and to people watch.

Even the snacks were fancy. Our drinks came with potato chips and a generous selection of mixed nuts.

I took some time to savor my surroundings.

I don't normally wear heels considering all the walking I do. However, in this instance, I swapped my walking shoes for silver pumps right before entering the casino -- I blended right in. I could get used to this...